A raw talent who thrilled crowds, Cyrille Regis overcame vicious racism to begin changing attitudes and inspire later generations of black players.
The times immediately before the arrival of Cyrille Regis were actually good for West Bromwich Albion. Johnny Giles quit as manager at the end of 1976-77 having transformed the club in his two seasons in charge, promotion to Division One being followed by a seventh place. Giles’s astute signings were a mix of experience and promising youngsters, one of the latter being Laurie Cunningham, bought from Orient in March 1977. The arrival two months later of a 19-year-old striker from Hayes for £5,000 barely registered beyond talk of his exotic background, in French Guyana.
West Brom fans had lacked a genuine terrace hero since “King” Jeff Astle left three years earlier. All this changed in a few days at the end of August and beginning of September 1977. With injuries limiting his options, new manager Ronnie Allen picked Regis for a League Cup tie against Rotherham. He scored twice in a 4-0 win and kept his place for the league game against Middlesbrough. And in the moment that he launched into a run from the halfway line, attacking the heart of allegedly the league’s meanest defence before scoring into the bottom corner, he claimed Astle’s crown. He was inexperienced, a talent whose rawness made him exciting. He played without fear.
Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
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Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
